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But others pointed out that despite the ridicule, the large number of comments and shares means that the appeal would be circulated to a far wider audience than usual.

Catherine Andrews said: "I live in Australia now and this photo and the comments are the funniest most English thing I've read in years. It's a dreadful crime and I hope they punish him severely but honestly when your e-fit reaches Australia you're doing something right."

Police released the e-fit of a man in his 20s who is of a slim build and is around 5ft 6in tall after he allegedly assaulted a woman in her 40s after she refused to hand over jewellery or a mobile phone.